“Have you gained weight?” she asks.
The question slams into me like a bullet. My mood plummets.
“I don’t know, Mum.”
“You should watch what you’re eating. You’ll never find a man… or woman… if you don’t look after yourself.”
“Thanks for the advice,” I mutter.
“I’m just trying to help, love.”
“Yep. Thanks, Mum. Actually, I’ve gotta go. Love you guys!” I hang up quickly before the tears can well up.
She doesn’t mean to hurt me. She really thinks she’s helping.
But it’s not like I don’t know there are extra pounds I could lose.
I can feel the familiar need to bury my feelings in food creeping in, digging its claws into my soul. I uncross my legs, intending to stand—
My phone buzzes with a new message.
Anonymous:Don’t listen to her. You’re perfect.
I choke on a laugh, my chest tightening in a maddening way that should be concerning. My heart flutters despiteeverything.
Emily:Are you watching me right now?
Anonymous:Yes.
Emily:Why?
Anonymous:Because I like to.
Anonymous:Who’s Graham?
I bite back a grin, the urge to provoke him rising like a tide.
Emily:Why do you want to know?
Anonymous:So I know whether or not he needs to die.
My breath catches. His words are delivered so casually, like murder is just another item on his to-do list.
Emily:Guess you’ll never know.
Anonymous:Don’t test me, Angel. I’m the jealous type.
Emily:I think I got that part when you sent me Tom’s finger as a present.
He replies with a Gif of man rolling his eyes.
Anonymous:I already apologised for that… and you liked my last gift.
Anonymous:A lot.
Heat rushesto my cheeks.
Oh God. He saw me.